In the aftermath of Donald Trump’s re-election, a renewed resistance movement is rising, echoing the sentiments seen after his initial victory in 2016. Prominent organizations, such as the Women’s March, aim to mobilize supporters to actively oppose Trump’s policies. Rachel O’Leary Carmona, the executive director of the Women’s March, has suggested that while anger towards Trump remains prevalent, the grassroots response in 2024 will differ significantly from previous years. Though limited protests have erupted in major cities soon after the election, they lack the scale and attention seen during the earlier resistance demonstrations. The Women’s March is already gearing up for various rallies, indicating that despite the initial subdued reaction, the organization remains committed to engaging citizens in collective action.
The evolution of the resistance is evident as groups shift from spontaneous protests to a more organized and strategic approach. O’Leary Carmona highlights that the current movement is more structured and focused on building political power rather than just visibility. The Women’s March now aims to promote a “multi-racial feminist future,” tackling issues such as disinformation, student debt relief, and progressive parental leave. This shift reflects a broader desire among activists to strategically embed themselves in the political landscape rather than simply reacting to challenges as they arise. With stronger connections to policymakers, O’Leary Carmona emphasizes a concerted effort to mobilize grassroots support toward meaningful policy change.
Maurice Mitchell, the national director of the Working Families Party, echoes this sentiment, advocating for a new strategic approach rather than relying on the methods used in the past. He acknowledges that the far-right thrives on creating chaos that clouds the progressive response, leading to a defensive posture among left-leaning activists. In marked contrast, the emerging strategy for 2024 focuses on being proactive and organizing people who wish to oppose Trump’s agenda. While the recent electoral defeat may be disheartening, Mitchell calls for an offensive mindset, driven by the significant support still shown for progressive values.
Despite these organizational efforts, there is an observable sense of fatigue within the anti-Trump movement post-election. Some activists describe the current atmosphere as “tired” or “dormant,” prompting a call for reflection among community leaders. Leading discussions around mobilization, figures like MoveOn Executive Director Rahna Epting encourage supporters to foster hope and resilience, reminding them that the fight isn’t over. Epting underscores the necessity of maintaining hope, asserting that the movement can still garner significant energy, as illustrated by participation metrics and participant engagement on recent calls.
Both Epting and Mitchell contend that the movement’s future rests on its ability to regroup and refocus. The mass protests of the past came together months following the 2016 election and were driven by collective emotional responses. Current leadership believes that this time is not premature for activism; rather, it offers an opportunity for growth. O’Leary Carmona dismisses notions of defeat, presenting the metaphor of a choir where even if some voices grow weary, the music continues with the remaining members. This perspective emphasizes the movement’s enduring nature, underscoring the belief that as long as individuals remain committed, the fight against divisive politics will continue unabated.
As the resistance prepares for the challenges ahead under a second Trump administration, it aims to utilize lessons learned from past struggles while building upon the foundation established in previous years. This multifaceted approach is designed to ensure that activism is sustainable and resonates with a broader audience, particularly addressing diverse concerns within society. The hard work and commitment of organizations like Women’s March and others signal a determination to respond effectively to the evolving political landscape and a resolute refusal to succumb to despair, thus fostering a sense of unity and purpose as they advance.